Methods of producing and transmitting content based on compliance

ABSTRACT

A method of transmitting content over a network, the content depicting at least one person and being subject to a record-keeping requirement, includes the steps of: providing information pertaining to a person depicted in at least a portion of the content in accordance with a record-keeping requirement; associating the information with the content; providing the associated information to a custodian; verifying that the information complies with the record-keeping requirement; and transmitting the content over a network.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/644,635, filed Aug. 19, 2003, now abandoned which in turnwas based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/404,737,filed Aug. 20, 2002, the entire disclosures of each of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods of producing performances thatare subject to a record-keeping requirement, and to systems forproducing such performances and for storing the required records with acustodian thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates tomethods for producing performances, which can be live or pre-recordedperformances, that are transmitted over a network, in particular acomputer network such as the Internet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The entertainment industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Inparticular, the adult entertainment industry is estimated to comprise amarket generating yearly revenues in excess of $50 billion per year. Theon-line adult entertainment industry within the larger adultentertainment industry alone generates more that $1 billion in revenueeach year.

The creation and commercial distribution of sexually explicit materialshas traditionally been subject to a substantial amount of regulation,including record-keeping requirements under U.S. federal law. Ofparticular concern are the U.S. federal laws that pertain to childpornography and the prevention of exploitation of children in theproduction of sexually explicit materials. Record-keeping requirementspertaining to the production of images of actual sexually explicitconduct are set forth in 18 U.S.C. §2257 (discussed further below, asthat section and associated regulations were in effect as of 2002).Sexually explicit conduct the actual performance of which is subject tofederal record-keeping requirements is defined at 18 U.S.C. §2256(A)-(D)and includes sexual intercourse (as broadly defined), bestiality,masturbation and sadistic or masochistic abuse.

Any “producer”, as defined by the statute, involved in the creation orcommercial distribution of visual images which depict any of the actualsexually explicit conduct listed in the statute is required to maintaincertain records. This requirement attaches whenever images of actualsexually explicit conduct are created, even if the creator of the imageslater only distributes, licenses or sells cropped or otherwise“sanitized” versions of the images which do not show the actual sexuallyexplicit conduct. Distributors of images of actual sexually explicitconduct, however, are only required to comply with the record-keepingrequirements if the images in fact “contain” visual depictions of actualsexually explicit conduct.

U.S. federal regulations defining those parties who are required tocomply with the statutory record-keeping requirements, and setting forththe record-keeping requirements with which such parties must comply, areset forth at 28 C.F.R. Part 75. Producers include “primary producers”and “secondary producers.” A primary producer is defined as any personwho actually films, videotapes, or photographs a visual depiction ofactual sexually explicit conduct. A secondary producer is defined as anyperson who produces, assembles, manufactures, publishes, duplicates,reproduces, or reissues a book, magazine, periodical, film, videotape,or other matter intended for commercial distribution that contains avisual depiction of actual sexually explicit conduct. Both primary andsecondary producers are subject to the record-keeping requirementsprescribed by 18 U.S.C. §2257.

Any producer (primary or secondary) of any material containing one ormore visual depictions of actual sexually explicit conduct made afterJul. 3, 1995 must comply with the statutory record-keeping requirementsfor each performer portrayed in such visual depictions. As specified in28 C.F.R. Part 75.2, the producer must obtain identification documentsshowing the legal name and date of birth of each performer obtained byan examination document. In addition, for any performer portrayed insuch a depiction after May 26, 1992, the records shall also include alegible copy of the identification document, and, if the document doesnot contain a recent and recognizable picture of the performer, then alegible copy of a picture identification card. A “picture identificationcard” for this purpose denotes a document issued by a government entityor by a private entity, such as a school or a private employer, thatbears the photograph of the individual and the person's name. Such cardscan include a passport, driver's license, work identification card,school identification card, selective service card, or an ID card issuedby a state.

In addition to the performer's legal name, the producer must also obtainany name ever used by the performer, including the performer's maidenname (if any), alias, nickname, stage name or professional name. For anyperformer portrayed in such a depiction made after May 26, 1992, suchnames must also be indexed by the title or identifying number of thebook, magazine, film videotape, or other matter.

A secondary producer may satisfy the record-keeping requirement byaccepting from the primary producer copies of the required records asset forth above. The secondary producer shall also keep records of thename and the address of the primary producer from whom the copies of therecords were received.

Records required to be maintained according to the foregoing statutoryprovisions are to be categorized and retrievable to all names of eachperformer, including the performer's maiden name, aliases, nicknames,stage names and professional names, and also according to the title,number or other similar identifier of each book, magazine, periodical,film, videotape, or other matter.

Any producer required to maintain records as described above must makethe records available at the producer's place of business. The businessaddress must refer to a street address and not to a post office boxnumber. Such records are to be maintained as long as the producerremains in business, and in the event that the producer ceases to carryon the business, for five years thereafter.

Each copy of the matter which is subject to the statutory record-keepingrequirement must bear a statement describing the location of therequired records. The statement must contain the title of the book,magazine, periodical, film or videotape or other matter, or if there isno title, an identifying number or similar identifier whichdifferentiates the matter from other matter which the producer hasproduced, as well as the date of production, manufacture, publication,duplication, reproduction or reissuance of the matter; the streetaddress at which the required records may be available. If the produceris an organization, such as a corporation, the statement must alsocontain the name, title and business address of the individual employedby the organization who is responsible for maintaining the requiredrecords (i.e., the custodian of the records). The information containedin the statement must be accurate as of the date on which the matter issold, distributed, redistributed or re-released.

Printed materials must include the required statement either on thefirst page that appears after the front cover, or on the page on whichthe copyright information (if any) appears. With respect to films andvideotapes that have credits, the statement shall be presented at theend of the “end titles” or final credits and shall be displayed for asufficient duration to be capable of being read by the average viewer.If the film or videotape has no credits, then the statement shall appearwithin one minute from the start of the film or videotape and before theopening scene.

Certain depictions are exempted from the record-keeping requirementsdiscussed above. Matter that only contains depictions of actual sexuallyexplicit conduct made prior to Nov. 1, 1990 or is produced,manufactured, published, duplicated, reproduced or reissued prior to May26, 1992; contains only visual depictions of simulated sexually explicitconduct; or contains only combinations of the preceding types of visualmatter, are exempt. Furthermore, if the primary producer certifies to asecondary producer that all visual materials fall within the exemptedcategories set forth above, then the secondary producer may (but is notrequired to) affix a statement to every copy of the matter that thematter is not covered by the record-keeping requirements of 18 U.S.C.§2257 and 28 C.F.R. Part 75.

A person or entity operating a website which is involved in thecommercial distribution of visual depictions of actual sexually explicitconduct most likely would be classified as a “secondary producer” asdescribed above, and therefore must comply with the statutoryrecord-keeping requirements. With respect to websites, the location ofthe required statement describing the location of the records is to bedisplayed consistent with the manner of display required for thecategories of materials which are specifically dealt with in theregulations (i.e., books, magazines and periodicals, and film andvideotapes). The notice preferably should appear on the bottom of thehome page along with the copyright information, or on a separate pageimmediately after the home page. In all events, the statement shouldappear prior to a viewer's accessing pictorial content that includesdepictions of actual sexually explicit conduct.

In addition, the following (or similar) disclaimer is beneficiallydisplayed on every website which contains visual depictions of actual orsimulated sexual conduct:

ALL OF THE PERFORMERS WHOSE IMAGES APPEAR ON THIS SITE AND WHO AREDEPICTED OR PORTRAYED AS ENGAGING IN ACTS OF ACTUAL OR SIMULATED SEXUALCONDUCT WERE OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE AT THE TIME THEY WERE PHOTOGRAPHED.

THERE IS NO INTENT OR ATTEMPT TO PORTRAY OR SUGGEST THAT ANY OF THEPERFORMERS WHOSE IMAGES APPEAR ON THIS SITE AND WHO ARE DEPICTED ASENGAGING IN ACTS OF ACTUAL OR SIMULATED SEXUAL CONDUCT ARE UNDER THE AGEOF 18 OR WERE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 WHEN THEIR PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN.

A need exists for a method and system of producing a record of aperformance, such as a live performance, which is subject to arequirement for record-keeping.

A need also exists for a method and system of obtaining, storing andretrieving information regarding on-line live performers who engage inactual sexually explicit conduct in such performances and thus renderthe performance subject to a record-keeping requirement such as that setforth at 18 U.S.C. §2257.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of producing a live performance, the performance beingtransmitted over a network, the performance being subject to arecord-keeping requirement. The method includes the steps of: providinginformation pertaining to a live performance in accordance with arecord-keeping requirement; associating the information with a liveperformance; providing the associated information to a custodian; andtransmitting the live performance over a network.

In particular embodiments, the live performance is transmitted over acomputer network to a viewer.

In additional particular embodiments, the viewer is provided with astatement prior to the transmission of the live performance. Thestatement includes information pertaining to the live performance inaccordance with the record-keeping requirement, and in more particularembodiments includes a location, specifically an address, of thecustodian.

According to specific embodiments, the live performance is transmittedover the network only after the associated information is provided tothe custodian. In additional specific embodiments, the live performanceis transmitted to the viewer only after the viewer provides to a sitethat controls transmission of the live performance verification that theviewing of the live performance is legally permissible at the viewer'sphysical location.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of producing a live performance, the performance beingtransmitted over a network, that includes the steps of: providing anidentification of a performer of a live performance; verifying theidentification of the performer of the live performance; providing allnames used by the performer of the live performance in addition to theperformer's legal name when the performer has at least name other thanthe performer's legal name; providing an identification of the liveperformance and a date of the live performance; associating theinformation so provided; providing the associated information to acustodian; and transmitting the live performance over a network.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of producing a live performance, the performance beingtransmitted over a network, which includes the steps of: providing averified identification of a performer of a live performance; providingall names used by the performer of the live performance other than theperformer's legal name when the performer has at least name other thanthe performer's legal name; providing an identification of the liveperformance and a date of the live performance; associating theinformation so provided; providing the associated information to acustodian; and transmitting the live performance over a network.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of producing a live performance, the performance beingtransmitted over a computer network to a viewer. The method includes thesteps of: providing to a custodian prior to commencement of a liveperformance a verified identification of a performer of the liveperformance, all names used by the performer of the live performanceother than the performer's legal name when the performer has at leastname other than the performer's legal name, an identification of thelive performance, and a date of the live performance; providing astatement to a viewer over a computer network prior to the commencementof the live performance, the statement including the identification ofthe live performance, the date of the live performance, and a locationof the custodian; and transmitting the live performance to the viewerover the computer network.

The present invention is also beneficially employed when a pre-recordedperformance is provided to a viewer over a network. Thus, in accordancewith still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided amethod of providing a recorded performance to a viewer over a network,the recorded performance being subject to a record-keeping requirement.The method includes the steps of: providing to a custodian informationpertaining to a recorded performance in accordance with a record-keepingrequirement; providing a statement to a viewer over a network prior tothe transmission of the recorded performance to the viewer, thestatement including information pertaining to the recorded performanceand to the custodian in accordance with the record-keeping requirement;and transmitting the recorded performance to the viewer over thenetwork.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method of providing a recorded performance to a viewerover a network which includes the steps of: providing to a custodian averified identification of a performer of a recorded performance, allnames used by the performer of the live performance other than theperformer's legal name when the performer has at least name other thanthe performer's legal name, an identification of the recordedperformance, and a date of the recorded performance; providing astatement to a viewer over a network prior to the transmission of therecorded performance to the viewer, the statement including theidentification of the recorded performance, the date of the recordedperformance, and a location of the custodian; and transmitting therecorded performance to the viewer over the network.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of transmitting a live performance to a viewer over anetwork, the performance being subject to a record-keeping requirement.The method includes the steps of: providing information pertaining to alive performance in response to a request from a viewer for atransmission of the live performance over a network, the informationbeing provided in accordance with a record-keeping requirement;associating the information with the live performance; providing theassociated information to a custodian; and transmitting the liveperformance to the viewer over the network.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method of producing record of a performance, theperformance being transmitted over a network, the performance beingsubject to a record-keeping requirement. The method includes the stepsof: providing information pertaining to a performance in accordance witha record-keeping requirement; associating the information with theperformance; providing the associated information to a custodian; andproviding means enabling a viewer to access information pertaining tothe performance and to the custodian over the network.

Systems for practicing the foregoing inventive methods are also providedaccording to an additional aspect of the present invention. In aparticular embodiment, a system for producing a record of a liveperformance, the live performance transmitted over a network, the liveperformance being subject to a record-keeping requirement, includes:means for entering into a database information pertaining to a liveperformance in accordance with a record-keeping requirement; means forassociating the information with a live performance; means for providingthe associated information to a custodian; means for providing a viewerwith information pertaining to the live performance in accordance withthe record-keeping requirement; and means for providing a viewer withaccess to a transmission of the live performance after receipt by theviewer of information pertaining to the live performance in accordancewith the record-keeping requirement.

More generally, methods and systems for producing and transmittingcontent are provided. Thus, in accordance with another aspect of thepresent invention, there is provided a method of transmitting contentover a network, the content being subject to a record-keepingrequirement. The method includes the steps of: providing informationpertaining to at least a portion of the content in accordance with arecord-keeping requirement; associating the information with thecontent; providing the associated information to a custodian; andtransmitting the content over a network.

Particular inventive methods include cross-referencing and verificationof information pertaining to one or more persons depicted in thecontent. Thus, in accordance with an additional aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a method of transmitting content over anetwork, the content depicting at least one person and being subject toa record-keeping requirement. The method includes the steps of:providing information pertaining to a person depicted in at least aportion of the content in accordance with a record-keeping requirement;associating the information with the content; providing the associatedinformation to a custodian; verifying that the information complies withthe record-keeping requirement; and transmitting the content over anetwork.

Under some circumstances it may be desirable, or even mandatory, toprevent or interrupt transmission of content where some or all of thecontent is determined not to be, or no longer to be, in compliance witha record-keeping requirement. Thus, in accordance with yet anotheraspect of the present invention, there is provided a method ofpreventing transmission of content over a network, the content depictingat least one person and being subject to a record-keeping requirement.The method includes the steps of: providing information pertaining to aperson depicted in at least a portion of the content in accordance witha record-keeping requirement; associating the information with thecontent; providing the associated information to a custodian; verifyingthat the information does not comply with the record-keepingrequirement; and preventing transmission of the content over a network.

Similarly, according to a further aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method of halting transmission of content over a network,the content depicting at least one person and being subject to arecord-keeping requirement, the method comprising the steps of:providing information pertaining to a person depicted in at least aportion of the content, the information being classified into aplurality of fields, at least a portion of the plurality of fields beingassociated with authorization criteria; associating the information withthe content; verifying that the information complies with theauthorization criteria; determining whether the entry into at least onefield associated with a authorization criterion is also associated witha date at which the entry ceases to comply with the authorizationcriterion; beginning transmission of the content over a network;monitoring the date on which transmission of the content occurs; andhalting transmission of the content when the date on which transmissionof the content occurs at least equals the date at which the entry ceasesto comply with the authorization criterion.

In addition to methods of transmission of content, related methods ofproduction of content are also provided. Thus, in accordance with stilla further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method ofproducing content, the content depicting at least one person and beingsubject to a record-keeping requirement. The method includes the stepsof: providing information pertaining to a person to be depicted in atleast a portion of the content in accordance with a record-keepingrequirement; associating the information with the content; providing theassociated information to a custodian; verifying that the informationcomplies with the record-keeping requirement; and producing the content.

Production methods that include cross-referencing and verification ofadditional information not required by a record-keeping regulation arealso provided. In accordance with still another aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a method of producing content, the contentdepicting at least one person. The method includes the steps of:providing information pertaining to a person to be depicted in at leasta portion of a data stream, the information being classified into aplurality of fields, at least a portion of the fields being associatedwith authorization criteria; associating the information with thecontent; verifying that the information complies with the authorizationcriteria; and producing the content.

Related methods include the use of date-dependent production criteria.In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method of producing content, the content depicting atleast one person. The method includes the steps of: providinginformation pertaining to a person to be depicted in at least a portionof the content, the information being classified into a plurality offields, at least a portion of the plurality of fields being associatedwith authorization criteria; associating the information with thecontent; verifying that the information complies with the authorizationcriteria; determining whether the entry into at least one fieldassociated with a authorization criterion is also associated with a dateat which the entry ceases to comply with the authorization criterion;providing a notification when a positive determination is madeconcerning such date; and producing the content.

As was the case with transmission of content, in certain circumstancesit is desirable or mandatory to prevent production of content. Thus, inaccordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of preventing the production of content, the contentbeing intended to depict at least one person and being subject to arecord-keeping requirement. The method includes the steps of: providinginformation pertaining to a person to be depicted in at least a portionof the content in accordance with a record-keeping requirement;associating the information with the content; verifying that theinformation does not comply with the record-keeping requirement; andpreventing the production of the content.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method of preventing production of content, the contentbeing intended to depict at least one person. The method includes thesteps of: providing information pertaining to a person to be depicted inat least a portion of the content, the information being classified intoa plurality of fields, at least a portion of the fields being associatedwith authorization criteria; associating the information with thecontent; verifying that the information does not comply with theauthorization criteria; and preventing production of the content.

The present invention also provides systems for producing content. Inaccordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a system for producing content, the content depicting at leastone person. The system includes: means for producing content; a firstdatabase; first input means for providing information pertaining to aperson to be depicted in the content to the first database; and meansfor providing a signature of the person to the first database.

The inventive systems are useful in numerous content production methods.Thus in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method for producing content, the content depicting atleast one person. The method includes the steps of: providing a systemfor producing content as described above; obtaining a digitized modelrelease signed by the person using the means for providing a signatureof the person to the first database; providing the digitized signedmodel release to the first database; providing information pertaining tothe person to be depicted in the content to the first data base usingthe first input means; and producing the content.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method for producing content, the content depicting atleast one person, at least a portion of the content being subject to arecord-keeping requirement. The method includes the steps of: providinga system for producing content as described above; obtaining a digitizedmodel release signed by the person using the means for providing asignature of the person to the first database; providing the digitizedsigned model release to the first database; providing informationpertaining to the person to be depicted in the content in accordancewith the record-keeping requirement to the first data base using thefirst input means and associating the information with the content; andproducing the content.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod for producing content, the content depicting at least one person.The method includes the steps of: providing a system for producingcontent as described above; obtaining a digitized model release signedby the person using the means for providing a signature of the person tothe first database; providing the digitized signed model release to thefirst database; providing information pertaining to the person to bedepicted in the content to the first data base using the first inputmeans, wherein the information is classified into a plurality of fields;and producing the content.

Multiple databases can also be employed. Thus, according to a furtheraspect of the present invention, there is provided a method forproducing content, the content depicting at least one person, at least aportion of the content being subject to a record-keeping requirement.The method includes the steps of: providing a system for producingcontent as described above, the system further including a seconddatabase in communication with the first database; obtaining a digitizedmodel release signed by the person using the means for providing asignature of the person to the first database; providing the digitizedsigned model release to the first database; providing informationpertaining to the person to be depicted in the content to the first database using the first input means, the information being provided inaccordance with the record-keeping requirement and being associated withthe content; and producing the content.

Similarly, according to still a further aspect of the present invention,there is provided a method for producing content, the content depictingat least one person, at least a portion of the content being subject toa record-keeping requirement. The method includes the steps of:providing a system including means for producing content, a firstdatabase, a plurality of additional databases, the first database andthe plurality of additional databases being organized into ahierarchical structure comprising a plurality of levels, first inputmeans for providing information pertaining to a person to be depicted inthe content to the first database, and means for providing a signatureof the person to the first database; obtaining a digitized model releasesigned by the person using the means for providing a signature of theperson to the first database; providing the digitized signed modelrelease to the first database; providing information pertaining to theperson to be depicted in the content to the first data base inaccordance with the record-keeping requirement using the first inputmeans, and associating the information with the content; and producingthe content.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method for producing content, the content depicting at least oneperson, at least a portion of the content being subject to arecord-keeping requirement. The method includes the steps of: providinga system for producing content as described above, the system includinga first database and a plurality of additional databases; obtaining adigitized model release signed by the person using the means forproviding a signature of the person to the first database; providing thedigitized signed model release to the first database; providinginformation pertaining to the person to be depicted in the content tothe first data base in accordance with the record-keeping requirementusing the first input means, the information being classified into aplurality of fields, and associating the information with the content;providing the associated information to custodians in possession of thefirst database and each of the additional databases; and producing thecontent.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription. It is to be understood, however, that the detaileddescription and specific examples, while indicating preferredembodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustrationand not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope ofthe present invention may be made without departing from the spiritthereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more readily understood by referring to theaccompanying drawings in which

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a general method according to theinvention,

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a particular method according to theinvention in which specific performance information is provided, and

FIGS. 3 a-b is a diagram illustrating a system according to theinvention and a web page useful in implementing the system

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a general content transmission methodaccording to the invention,

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a content transmission method usingcross-referencing,

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a content transmission method for usewith date-sensitive information,

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a content production method usingcross-referencing,

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a content production method usingauthorization criteria,

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a content production method usinginformation that is subject to a local non-disclosure regulation,

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a content production method for usewith date-sensitive information,

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for preventing theproduction of content when a record-keeping requirement is determinednot to have been satisfied,

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for preventing theproduction of content when an authorization criterion (other than arecord-keeping requirement) is determined not to have been satisfied,

FIGS. 13-15 are schematic illustrations of systems for producingcontent, including a basic system (FIG. 13), a system using a seconddatabase (FIG. 14), and a system including multiple databases organizedin a hierarchical structure (FIG. 15),

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a content production method using asystem as shown in FIG. 13

FIGS. 17-18 are flowcharts illustrating content production methods usingsystems of the invention,

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a content production method using asystem with a plurality of databases,

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a content transmission method whichuses a user's computer as a distribution node for transmission of thecontent and disables the node in the event that the user attempts toaffect the content and thus potentially become subject to arecord-keeping requirement as a content producer, and

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a content transmission methodsimilar to that of FIG. 20, but in which it is determined whether thecontent is properly labeled in accordance with a record-keepingrequirement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although exemplary performances which are produced according to methodsof the present invention may include actual sexually explicit conduct,such that production of visual images of the performance may be subjectto statutory regulations as discussed above, the present invention is byno means limited to the production of such performances or to thegeneration of records pertaining to such performances.

As used herein, the term “custodian” denotes any person who is inpossession of at least one record of a performance that is subject to arecord-keeping regulation. Such a person can be, for example, a produceras defined in 28 C.F.R. Part 75, or an individual employed by anorganization that is itself a producer.

FIG. 1 illustrates a method according to the present invention in ageneral aspect. Information pertaining to a performance is firstprovided, more specifically in accordance with a record-keepingrequirement such as the requirements established at 18 U.S.C. §2257 and28 C.F.R. Part 75, which are incorporated in their entirety herein byreference. The information can be provided, in certain embodiments, byone or more performers of a performance which is subject to therecord-keeping requirement, and very specifically by every performer whoengages in regulated conduct, such as actual sexually explicit conduct,at any time during the course of the performance. In other particularembodiments, the information can be provided by a producer or otherindividual in possession of the required information. The performancefor which the information is provided can be a live performance or apre-recorded performance (the recording being a book, magazine or otherperiodical, film, videotape, etc.).

In specific embodiments, the information is provided prior to a requestby a viewer over a network for a transmission of the performance to theviewer over the network. For example, in certain particular embodiments,a performer accesses a site on a network over which a live performanceis to be transmitted to a viewer, and then provides the requiredinformation. In other specific embodiments, the information is providedsubsequent to, e.g., in response to, a request by the viewer for atransmission of the performance.

The information can be provided, in particular embodiments, as directinput by the performer by means of a scanner or other electronic device.In other particular embodiments, the performer logs onto a site and thenprovides a code, an ID number, a credit card account number or the liketo the site. Entry of the code enables the performer to access adatabase including a file that contains the required informationpertaining to the performer, for example by activating a hyperlink tosuch a database.

The information pertaining to the performance can include anidentification of a performer, for example a picture identificationcard; a maiden name, alias, nickname, stage name or professional nameused by the performer; other information pertaining to a performer, suchas an address, Social Security number, telephone number, etc.; anidentification of the performance, such as a title or identificationnumber; a date of the performance, e.g., the date on which theperformance is transmitted over a network or the date on which theperformance was first recorded; etc.

Additional information can be provided in more specific embodiments,depending on the record-keeping requirements that pertain to theperformance. Thus, for example, if a performer has previously appearedin one or more other performances in which visual depictions of actualsexually explicit conduct were produced, such additional informationmight include the titles or identification numbers of such performances,the dates of the performances, and the legal and other names used by theperformer at the times the performances were produced.

Provision of an accurate identification of the performer is ofparticular importance. Thus, in more specific embodiments, the performerinitially submits an identification, such a scanned pictureidentification card or other documentation. Next, the identification sosubmitted is verified, for example by submitting or redirecting theidentification to a verification site such as a database of verifiedidentification documents. Once the performer's identification isverified, the performer provides additional information as describedherein. In other more specific embodiments, the performer provides averified identification, for example, a code associated with a file in adatabase of scanned images of verified picture identification cards.

The information is provided, in particular embodiments, to a centralsite such as a database, or to a site maintained by a producer of theperformance. Once the information has been provided to the database orother site, the information is associated with the performance. Thus,for example, the legal name and picture identification of a performer,together with other information such as the performer's aliases or othernames other than the performer's legal name, are associated with thetitle or identification number, and the date, of the performance, forexample by storage together in a file in a database.

Once the information has been associated with the performance, theassociated information is then provided to a custodian. This can beaccomplished, for example, by forwarding the associated information tothe custodian via e-mail; by providing the custodian with a hyperlink toa site at which the information can be accessed; by providing thecustodian with a hard copy of the information, including a print-out ofthe performer's personal information and a copy of the performer'sscanned picture identification card; or by other means.

After the associated information is provided to the custodian,transmission of the performance to the viewer is enabled. Transmissioncan commence promptly upon provision of the information to thecustodian. In alternative embodiments, the viewer is provided with astatement prior to the transmission of the performance, for example byproviding the viewer with a screen including a button which can beactivated to access the statement (see FIG. 3 b). The button canactivate a link to a site maintained by the custodian in specificembodiments, or to a database maintained by another site. The contentsof the statement can vary according to the record-keeping requirementsto which the performance is subject. For example, the statement caninclude some or all of the associated information, such as theperformer's name(s) and the title and date of the performance, togetherwith a location (e.g., a business street address) of the custodian. Oncethe viewer accesses the statement, transmission of the performance isauthorized and commences. In still other embodiments, the statement isautomatically provided to the viewer prior to transmission of theperformance to the viewer.

It may be desirable in certain communities to limit access toperformances provided according to the present application. Accordingly,in particular embodiments, the physical location of the user isascertained, for example by GPS means, and access to the performance viathe network is controlled on the basis of the user's location. Suchaccess control can be accomplished, for example, according to themethods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,172, to Piccionelli et al., theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In otherparticular embodiments, the viewer verifies that viewing the performancein the viewer's physical location is legally permissible, for example bymeans of a button provided on a screen that provides a statement to thiseffect to a site controlling transmission of the performance over thenetwork to the viewer.

Revenue-generating specific embodiments of the inventive method includethe additional step of providing a viewers credit card account number toa site that controls transmission of the performance. In suchembodiments, the viewer is charged a premium in order to view theperformance, for example prior to transmission of the performance.

FIG. 2 illustrates a more specific method according to the invention. Asdescribed herein, the method is implemented by a performer of a live orpreviously recorded performance; however, the method can also beimplemented by other parties, such as producers, or by the performertogether with one or more other persons. A performer initially providesan identification, such as a scan of a picture identification card, to acentral site controlling transmission of a live performance over anetwork. The identification can be verified by the central site or byanother site, or can be a pre-verified identification. Next, theperformer provides all names in addition to the performer's legal name,if the performer has used such additional names. The performer alsoprovides an identification of the performance, such as a title oridentification number, and also a date of the performance, for example,the date on which the performance is to take place (which can be thedate of submission of the information, in particular embodiments). Theperformer's identification and name(s) are then associated with theidentification and date of the performance, for example by storagetogether in a file in a database. The associated information is nextprovided to a custodian, for example by transmission via a network or byother means as previously mentioned. Once the associated information hasbeen provided to the custodian, the performance is then transmitted overa network to a viewer.

In specific embodiments of the method illustrated in FIG. 2, the vieweris provided with a statement including the identification and date ofthe performance and the location of the custodian.

According to very specific embodiments, the viewer is further enabled todownload a copy of the performance. In such embodiments, the statementdescribed above is incorporated in the download of the performance.

A system useful in implementing methods according to the invention isillustrated in FIGS. 3 a-b. In FIG. 3 a, a computer 10 is incommunication with a video camera 12 and a scanner 14. A performeremploys scanner 14 to provide a scanned copy of a picture identificationcard to a central site 16, and provides additional information such asthe performer's legal name, other names such as aliases, stage names,etc., previously used by the performer, a title of a performance inwhich the performer is to appear, the date of the performance (e.g., thepresent date), and, in particular embodiments, the titles and dates ofother performances in which the performer has appeared together with alisting of aliases, stage names, etc., used by the performer at the timeof the prior performances. All of the foregoing information is providedto central site 16, where it is associated, for example by storage in afile. The associated information is then provided to a site 18maintained by a custodian. Once the information is provided to thecustodian, the performer commences the performance, which is transmittedover a network by means of camera 12 to a viewer.

FIG. 3 b illustrates an exemplary screen 20 including a box 22presenting a disclaimer such as that described above, together with abutton 24 which can be activated by a viewer in order to access astatement as described above.

The foregoing embodiments of the invention are primarily directed to theproduction and transmission of live performances. Additional aspects ofthe invention are applicable to the production and transmission of bothlive and recorded performances, i.e., to the production and transmissionof content in general. As used herein, the term “content” denotes anyvisual depiction of one or more persons, objects or locations, includingstill images (i.e., data files) and videos. The videos in turn can berecorded for subsequent sale and/or transmission (video streaming) ortransmitted live over a network (live streaming). “Content” includesboth the singular and the plural; thus, production of contentencompasses production of one or more visual depictions, from a singlestill image to multiple videos.

A general method of transmitting content (whether live or previouslyrecorded, as indicated above) is illustrated in FIG. 4. Informationpertaining to at least a portion of the content, for example a portionwhich includes a depiction of one or more persons engaging in actualsexually explicit conduct, is provided, for example in a mannerdiscussed above. The information is then associated with the content,which can be carried out in a manner previously described, such as bycreation of a record including an identification of the portion of thecontent to which the information pertains (e.g., a person or personsengaged in actual sexually explicit conduct) and the informationpertaining thereto. The associated information (e.g., the record socreated) is then provided to a custodian. After provision of theassociated information to the custodian, the content is then transmittedover a network.

The content can be transmitted over any desired network. Non-limitingexamplary networks include computer networks, such as the Internet or alocal network; telecommunications networks, such as cellular telephonenetworks; and the like. In various embodiments, the content istransmitted to and displayed on a device such as a computer monitor, acellular telephone screen, a hand-held telecommunication device such asa Blackberry™, or the like.

In many particular embodiments of the inventive method, the content istransmitted to a human viewer. Similarly to embodiments previouslydiscussed, the human viewer beneficially provides to a site thatcontrols the transmission of the content, such as a site on theInternet, verification that viewing of the content is legallypermissible at the viewer's physical location. Such verification can beprovided, e.g., by transmission of the GPS coordinates of the viewer'slocation to the site, followed by confirmation by the site that thelocation so identified is located within a jurisdiction in which theviewing is legally permissible. In specific embodiments, theverification is provided by the human viewer prior to transmission ofthe content to the human viewer.

As well as verification of location in a location in which viewing thecontent is legally permissible, the human viewer, in further specificembodiments, provides additional information to the site, including,without limitation, proof of the viewer's right to receive thetransmission of the content (e.g., proof that the viewer is a member ofthe site which controls or transmits the content, such as a membershipcode), and a credit card number. The credit card number benefically isused both to secure payment of a premium from the viewer prior totransmission of the content, and to ensure that the viewer is of legalage to view the content.

Alternatively or concurrently, the content can also be transmitted to astorage device, such as a personal computer, a server, a DVD (via a DVDburning device), or the like. The storage device can be present at theviewer's location, or can be at a location remote from the viewer.

As discussed above with respect to previous embodiments, particularembodiments of the content transmission method described here and belowbeneficially provide the viewer, in particular prior to the transmissionof the content to the viewer, with a statement as prescribed by arelevant record keeping requirement. Thus, the statement can include, inparticular embodiments, information pertaining to the content inaccordance with the record keeping requirement, and with a location of acustodian of the information.

In many applications it may be desirable to cross-reference and verifysome or all of the information provided to a custodian in accordancewith a record-keeping requirement. When information in compliance withthe record-keeping requirement is provided, transmission of the contentis enabled. Conversely, when the record-keeping requirement is notsatisfied due to provision of insufficient or incorrect information,transmission of the content is prevented.

Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 5, information pertaining to a persondepicted in at least a portion of the content is provided and associatedwith the content, and the associated information is provided to acustodian similarly to the embodiments discussed above. Next, theassociated information is examined in order to determine if theinformation complies with the record-keeping requirement. If it isdetermined that the information is in compliance with the record-keepingrequirement, then the content is transmitted. If, on the other hand, itis determined that the information is not in compliance with therecord-keeping requirement, then transmission of the content isprevented.

The information provided can be classified into one or more fields. Someor all of the information can be classified into fields that arespecified by applicable record-keeping requirements. Alternatively, atleast a portion of the information can be classified into other fieldsrelating to the production of the content but not specified by arecord-keeping requirement. Non-limiting examples of fields into whichinformation can be classified in accordance with methods of theinvention include: model details (first name, middle name, last name,maiden name, age, birth date, birth city, birth state, birth country,sex, height, weight, eye color, hair color, measurements (chest, waist,hips), clothing size, shoe size, contact address, contact city, contactstate, contact postal code, contact country, contact home phone, contactwork phone, contact mobile phone, other contact phone, contact e-mailaddress, contact website, image file data, image file size, image filename, image thumbnail); model aliases (model ID, model name); productionmodels (production ID, model ID, model alias ID); model remuneration(model ID, client ID, production date, production comments, paymentdate, payment amount, payment method ID, payment comments); modelidentification (model ID, ID type, ID number, ID state, ID country, IDexpiration date, ID comments, image file data, image file size, imagefile name, image thumbnail); ID types (description); client details(company name, company address, company city, company state, companypostal code, company main phone, company fax, company other phone,company website, contact name, contact main phone, contact fax, contactmobile phone, contact e-mail address); agency details (company name,company address, company city, company state, company postal code,company country company main phone, company fax, company other phone,company web site); model agents (model ID, agency ID, agent name, agentmain phone, agent fax, agent mobile phone, agent e-mail address); modelhealth tests (model ID, health test type ID, health test date, healthtest result ID, image file data, image file size, image file name, imagethumbnail); health test results (description); producer details(producer code, company name, company address, company city, companystate, company postal code, company country, company main phone, companyfax, company other phone, company website, company copyright, contactname, contact main phone, contact fax, contact mobile phone, contacte-mail address); production details (producer ID, image file data, imagefile size, image file name, image thumbnail, production title,production date, production description); production comments(production ID, comment data); model comments (model ID, comment data);content details (production ID, content type ID, content title, contentdescription, content barcode); content catalog (content ID, image filename, image thumbnail); model release details (model ID, producer ID,production date, comments); model release images (model release ID,image file data, image file size, image file name, image thumbnail);system settings (database image width, database image height, databaseimage JPEG quality, default year start, default country code, defaultmodel/sex, exit tagging enable, exit JPEG quality, copyright notice);etc. Some field entries can be included in multiple fields, if desired.All field entries can include the date of addition and modification,system time stamps, status identifications and other identifyingindicia, as desired.

At least a portion of the plurality of fields can be associated withauthorization criteria. As used herein, “authorization criteria” areconditions that must be met before production and/or transmission of thecontent is enabled. Some authorization criteria can be determined by arecord-keeping requirement; others can be determined by additionalconsiderations such as model health or the need for a model release.Typically, authorization criteria are met by provision of appropriateinformation to the particular fields with which the criteria areassociated. Authorization criteria can also include performance ofspecified actions to achieve specified results, for example, examinationof a medical record to verify freedom from communicable diseases.Non-limiting exemplary fields and authorization criteria associatedtherewith include the following:

Field Authorization Criterion Model ID Entry of valid identification formodel Model age Entry of proof that model's age at least equals an agespecified by record-keeping requirement Model aliases Entry of allnames, if any, used by model other than model's legal name Content IDEntry of identification of content, e.g., a unique randomly generatedidentification Production date Entry of date of production of contentModel release Entry of image of model release executed by model Medicalrelease Entry of image of medical release executed by model Health testresult Examination of medical record of model pursuant to executedmedical release and verification that model is free from communicabledisease

As with preceding methods, the information provided can be used toproduce a record, which is associated with the content to which theinformation pertains. The record is then provided to a custodian. Thecustodian may possess a plurality of records, each record beingassociated with different content. This affords the opportunity forcross-referencing and verifying provided information, and allowsproduction to proceed in cases in which some or all of the informationwhich must be provided in order to meet the record-keeping requirementand/or satisfy other authorization criteria has not been or cannot beprovided.

For example, prior to transmission of content, it may be necessary tosubmit information concerning the age of a person depicted in thecontent, or a listing of aliases, stage names or professional names usedby the person so depicted. In the case in which it is determined thatthe person's age has not been submitted, or all aliases have not beensubmitted, the custodian (or a database which is in the custodian'spossession or which is accessible to the producer of the content) can bequeried to determine if any additional records, containing informationpertaining to the person, exist and are accessible. If so, theadditional records are then examined to determine if the missinginformation is stored in one or more of the additional records. Upondetermining that the missing information is present in one or moreadditional records, the missing information is copied into theappropriate record for the content to be transmitted. When allinformation has thus been provided and all authorization criteria (ifany) have been satisfied, the content is then cleared for transmissionto a viewer (in specific embodiments, after the viewer is provided witha statement as may be required by a pertinent regulation).

In other circumstances, it may be desirable to verify that informationprovided by a person depicted in a portion of the content is consistentwith information provided by the person with respect to other content inwhich the person has been depicted. This cross-referencing andverification is easily carried out when the custodian, database, etc.includes a plurality of records associated with different content. Inthe event that inconsistencies are identified, transmission of thecontent can be prevented until the inconsistencies are rectified.

Some information that is provided in accordance with a record-keepingrequirement may be associated with an expiration date, i.e., a date atwhich the information ceases to comply with the record-keepingrequirement or with another authorization criterion. For example, animage of a driver's license may be entered as an identification of aperson depicted, or intended to be depicted, in content. The driver'slicense has an expiration date beyond which it is no longer valid, andthus cannot be used to identify the person.

A method of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 6 is useful toaccommodate date-sensitive information. Information is providedsimilarly to methods discussed previously; specific embodiments includeprovision of information that is classified into a plurality of fields,at least some of which are associated with authorization criteria. Theinformation is associated with the content to which it pertains, andevaluated to determine if it complies with the authorization criteria.The information is also examined to determine if any of the information(i.e., information entered into one or more fields), is also associatedwith a date at which the entry ceases to comply with an authorizationcriterion, that is, whether the entry has an expiration date. If none ofthe entries associated with authorization criteria have expirationdates, transmission of the content is enabled as with precedingembodiments. If at least one entry associated with an authorizationcriterion does have an expiration date, then transmission is enabledonly so long as the date on which the content is transmitted is prior tothe expiration date. Thus, when an entry has an expiration date, thecontent is transmitted and the date of transmission is determined. Thedate is periodically or continually monitored and compared to theexpiration date. When it is determined that the date equals or exceedsthe expiration date, transmission of the content is halted. Transmissionof the content is not resumed or re-enabled until the expired entry isreplaced with an entry that complies with the authorization criterion.

Production of content, like transmission of content, can be carried outand controlled according to analogous methods. In an exemplaryproduction method as illustrated in FIG. 7, information is againprovided and associated with the content to be produced, and theassociated information is provided to a custodian. The adequacy of theinformation is again evaluated, and inadequate or missing information isretrieved from additional records in the keeping of the custodian (orother database(s)). Production of the content then proceeds when it isdetermined that information sufficient to comply with a record-keepingrequirement has been provided and all authorization criteria have beensatisfied; lacking such a determination, production of the content isprevented.

The content to be produced may not be subject to any particularregulation, such as a record-keeping requirement, but it may still bedesirable to comply with various authorization criteria and to verify orcross-reference certain information pertaining to one or more persons tobe depicted in the content. However, some of the desired information maybe subject to local regulations concerning disclosure thereof. Forexample, some local jurisdictions may prohibit or regulate thedisclosure of a person's medical records, including whether the personis or has been infected with a communicable disease. Methods of thepresent invention are beneficially applied in such circumstances.

Referring now to FIG. 8, information pertaining to a person to bedepicted in at least a portion of the content is provided. Theinformation is classified into a plurality of fields, as with previousmethods, and at least a portion of the fields (e.g., modelidentification) are associated with authorization criteria. Theinformation is associated with the content, again as with previousmethods, and is examined in order to verify that the information soprovided complies with all pertinent authorization criteria (a negativedetermination results in prevention of content production, as usual).After compliance with the authorization criteria is verified, productionof the content commences.

Where local regulations pertaining to disclosure of personal informationare applicable, a modification of the foregoing method is beneficiallycarried out. As shown in FIG. 9, prior to providing the information, itis first determined whether some or all of the information to beprovided is subject t a local non-disclosure regulation. If no suchregulation is applicable, the information is provided as usual. If atleast some of the information is subject to a local non-disclosureregulation, then only that information which is not subject to theregulation is provided. The information so provided is associated, andcompliance with applicable authorization criteria is verified as withprevious methods. Local non-disclosure regulations may result innon-compliance with some or all authorization criteria. If allauthorization criteria are met, production of the content commences.

With respect to production of content, as well as transmission ofcontent, awareness of any date-dependent authorization criteria isimportant. For example, if a person to be depicted in the contentprovides an identification which has an expiration date, it is importantfor the producer of the content to be alerted to this fact in order forthe producer to ensure that the person is not used in content productionon any date after the expiration date of the identification. Referringnow to the production method illustrated in FIG. 10, information isprovided, associated and verified as with preceding methods such as themethod shown in FIG. 8. Next, it is determined whether any of theinformation provided to the various fields is associated with anexpiration date. If no expiration date is identified, production of thecontent proceeds. If an expiration date is identified, a notification isprovided (e.g., to the producer of the content, to a database, etc.).The notification can include, for example, the name of the person, thefield entry, the associated expiration date, a warning not to employ theperson to produce content when the expiration date is reached, etc.Production of the content then proceeds after the notification has beenprovided.

Generally, production of content can be prevented according to methodsof the present invention whenever it is determined that one or morerecord-keeping requirements or other authorization criteria are notsatisfied. A method of preventing the production of content subject to arecord-keeping requirement, more specifically content that is intendedto depict at least one person, is illustrated in FIG. 11. Informationpertaining to the person who is to be depicted in at least a portion ofthe content is provided in accordance with a record-keeping requirementand is associated with the content. The information so provided is thenexamined. Upon verification that some or all of the information does notcomply with the record-keeping requirement (e.g., due to failure toprovide valid identification as an adult), production of the content isprevented. In particular instances, the person whose information failsto comply with the record-keeping requirement can be replaced with aperson whose information complies with the record-keeping requirement.In other instances, production of the content can be interrupted orsuspended.

Information can be provided to a custodian, more particularly in theform of a record, as previously described. The custodian can also be inpossession of a plurality of records associated with a plurality ofcontent. In such instances, the additional records can be examined todetermine if compliant information is present when the informationprovided with respect to the content to be produced proves deficient ordefective. Information pertaining to particular persons to be depictedin the content can also be cross-referenced when the person has beendepicted in other content records of which are in the possession of thecustodian.

Analogous methods of preventing content production when one or moreauthorization criteria (as described above) are not met are alsoprovided. Referring to FIG. 12, information pertaining to the person whois to be depicted in at least a portion of the content is provided; theinformation is classified into a plurality of fields, at least a portionof which are associated with authorization criteria. The information soprovided is then examined. Upon verification that some or all of theinformation does not comply with associated authorization criteria(e.g., due to failure to provide a valid model release or medicalrelease), production of the content is prevented.

The foregoing methods for producing content are beneficially practicedusing systems provided herein. FIGS. 13-15 illustrate exemplary systems.In FIG. 13, a system 110 for producing content, more specifically forproducing content depicting at least one person, includes a stage 112,which can have various props such as furniture and other stage dressing,a camera 114 for recording film, video or digital images, a lightingsystem 116 and a sound system 118. A first database is stored withinfirst storage device 120, such as a hard drive on a dedicated computer(i.e., a server) or another desired storage device. First input means122, such as a computer located at the site of production of thecontent, affords access to the first database, for example via a networksuch as the Internet or via a cable or other connection, and allowsinformation pertaining to a person to be depicted in the content to beprovided to the first database. Means 124, such as an electronicsignature pad, for providing a signature of the person to be depicted inthe content, allow the signature to be provided to the first database,and further allow for verification of such entries as model releases,medical releases and the like by the person supplying the information.

In particular embodiments, the system 110 further includes means 126,such as a cable and appropriate software, for transferring at least aportion of the content as recorded by camera 114 to the first database.This allows stills, thumbnails, video streams, etc. to be transferred toand stored in the first database, and also to be used as entries intoappropriate fields used to create a record for the content.

In order to ensure against accidental deletion, destruction, theft orseizure of some or all of the information in the first database, morespecific embodiments of the inventive system include a second databasein communication with the first database. In certain embodiments, thefirst and second databases are stored in a common storage device, suchas a hard drive on a dedicated server or other electronic device. Inother embodiments, the first and second databases are stored in separatestorage devices. Referring to FIG. 14, a first database is stored infirst storage device 120 (e.g., a computer hard drive), while a seconddatabase is stored in second storage device 130 (e.g., a hard drive on aseparate computer), with the first and second storage devices beingconnected to allow the first and second data bases to be incommunication with each other, thereby allowing transfer of informationfrom the second database to the first database and vice versa.

First storage device 120 and second storage device 130 can both be inthe possession of the producer of the content. Alternatively, one of thestorage devices can be in the possession of the producer, while theother storage device can be in the possession of a custodian (asspecified by a record-keeping requirement) or another person. Ifdesired, both storage devices can be in the possession of a custodian,or each of the storage devices can be in the possession of persons otherthan the producer. Thus, for example, a producer could maintain a firststorage device containing the first database, while a custodian couldmaintain a second storage device containing the second database.

The second storage device serves as a back-up for the first storagedevice. Using the first input means, information can be input into oraccessed in the first database. If the first database becomesunavailable for some reason (e.g., hardware malfunction, theft orseizure of the first storage device, viral infection, etc.), the seconddatabase can be accessed via the first input means, and the informationinput into or retrieved from the second database.

Additional back-up capability can be provided through use of a systemhaving a plurality of databases and storage devices organized into ahierarchical structure. In FIG. 15, a system as shown in FIG. 14includes a first storage device 120, which, together with a secondstorage device 130 is in communication with a second-level storagedevice 150. Second-level storage device 150 is also in communicationwith additional storage devices 140 organized in parallel with storagedevices 120 and 130. Means 141 for transferring information to thesecond-level device, such as network connections and related software,dedicated lines, and the like, are also provided. Each of the additionalstorage devices 140 can in turn be in communication with additionalinput means, cameras, signature input means and the like, allowing theproduction of a plurality of content at different locations.

Second-level storage device 150 stores a second-level database includinginformation provided, via means 141, from the first database stored infirst storage device 120 (and from the second database stored in secondstorage device 130, if employed). Information provided from databasesstored on additional storage devices 140 is also stored in thesecond-level database. Thus, the second-level database functions as aback-up to the databases stored in the storage devices 120, 130 and 140(the first-level databases), allowing information that may be missingfrom particular records in one of the first-level databases to besupplied from other records stored in the second-level database.Cross-referencing of information stored in the first-level databases canalso readily be carried out by examination of the various records storedin the second-level database.

Similarly, storage device 200 stores a third-level database includinginformation provided from the various databases stored in second-levelstorage devices 150. Further levels in the hierarchy can be added asdesired in order to provide additional redundancy and back-up capacity,and to provide enlarged databases facilitating cross-referencing ofentries in lower-level databases. Each of the various storage devicescan be located at a different physical location and/or in the possessionof a different person or organization.

Systems as described above can be used in conjunction with any of thevarious methods set forth above in the production and transmission ofcontent. A typical method is illustrated in FIG. 16. A system as shownin FIG. 13, including means for producing content, a first database,first input means, and means for providing a signature of a person tothe first database, is provided. A digitized model release is preparedand signed by a person to be depicted in the content, and the digitizedsigned model release is provided to the first database. Next,information pertaining to the person to be depicted in the content isprovided to the first database using the first input means. After theinformation is provided to the first database, production of the contentcommences.

Various particular embodiments of the foregoing method will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.Any of the previously described methods of producing content, or ofpreventing the production of content, can be carried out using systemsfor producing content according to the invention, such as thoseillustrated in FIGS. 13-15.

Systems for producing content as described herein can also be used toproduce statements affirming the accuracy of the information provided tothe database and to include such statements in the database. In FIG. 17,information pertaining to at least one person to be depicted in thecontent, in accordance with a record-keeping requirement, is provided toa database. In the process of providing the information to the database,the database is examined to determine whether a record associated withpreviously produced content and containing information pertaining to theperson is present in the database. If such a record is located, theinformation in the existing record is copied into the new record createdin connection with the content to be produced, and additionalinformation is provided to the extent necessary to produce a completenew record. A statement affirming the accuracy of the information in theexisting record is then prepared and signed by the person using themeans for providing a signature included in the production system. Adigitized version of the signed statement is then provided to thedatabase.

If no records containing information pertaining to the person arelocated in the database, the new record is produced using newly-providedinformation. Once the new record is produced (and its accuracy isaffirmed, if appropriate), the record is associated with the content andstored in the database, and in more specific embodiments is provided toa custodian as prescribed by a record-keeping requirement. Production ofthe content then commences.

A further development of the foregoing method includes examination ofthe database to determine whether one or more existing records includeinformation pertaining to a person to be depicted in the content, andwhich fields in the records contain entries. Referring to FIG. 18, adigitized signed model release is provided to the database as inpreceding methods. Information pertaining to the person to be depictedin the content is provided, the information being classified into aplurality of fields. During the process of providing the information, afield is selected, and the database is examined to determine if one ormore existing records contain information pertaining to the person andentered into the selected field. If one or more such records are presentand contain information entered into the selected field, a message isproduced noting the presence of the information. More particularembodiments generate a message that also includes a listing of eachrecord containing information pertaining to the person in which theselected field contains an entry. For example, when the selected fieldis “content ID”, such a message would include a listing of each recordpertaining to content in which the person is depicted (i.e., a listingof each record containing information pertaining to the person in whichthe field “content ID” contains an entry). An additional record is thenproduced that includes the listing of each record so identified, and isstored in the database.

Once the information has been provided to the database, production ofthe content commences as usual.

Record-keeping, verification and cross-referencing are also beneficiallycarried out using systems of the invention that include more than onedatabase, whether the databases are stored on a single storage device ormultiple storage devices, in the latter case multiple storage devicesthat are located at one physical location or a plurality of physicallocations and optionally in the possession of one or more custodians.

According to an exemplary method, a system is employed which includesfirst and second databases in communication with each other, as well asthe previously described means for producing content, first input meansand means for providing a signature to the first database. A digitizedsigned model release is obtained from a person to be depicted in thecontent and provided to the first database, and information pertainingto the person is provided to the first database using the first inputmeans and associated with the content, typically by means of a recordcreated to an identification of the content and the information soprovided. The information can, in specific embodiments, be provided inaccordance with a record-keeping requirement and/or be classified into aplurality of fields, and can be associated with authorization criteriawhich must be met before production of the content commences, all asdiscussed previously.

The associated information (e.g., in the form of the record created forthe content), in more specific embodiments, is provided both to a firstcustodian in possession of the first database and to a second custodianin possession of the second database. This again provides additionalsecurity and back-up capability in the event of loss, theft, seizure,malfunction or other circumstances which render one of the two databasesinaccessible. The first and second databases can be searched todetermine if existing records containing information pertaining to theperson are available, and information from such records can be copiedinto the newly created record for the content to be produced, in mannerssimilar to those previously mentioned. More particularly, the seconddatabase is searched when the first database is determined not toinclude any existing records that include information pertaining to theperson. Likewise, statements affirming the accuracy of the existingrecords can be obtained and provided to the first database, andoptionally the second database.

FIG. 19 illustrates a production method that makes use of a systemincluding two databases. The second database is advantageously in thepossession of a second custodian, and is also advantageously incommunication with a plurality of additional databases, and thusincludes information not also included in the first database. The firstdatabase is examined to determine whether a record exists that includesinformation pertaining to the person to be depicted in the content. Ifthe first database includes such a record, the information included inthat record is used to produce a new record for the content to beproduced, and additional information is provided as needed in order tocomplete the new record. If the first database is determined not toinclude a record containing information pertaining to the person, thesecond database is examined and the process is repeated. If neither thefirst nor the second database is determined to include a recordcontaining information pertaining to the person, then the new record isproduced using information provided via the first input means.Production of the content subsequently commences.

The foregoing methods are readily extended to methods useful withsystems having a multilevel, hierarchical structure and using aplurality of databases (and a plurality of storage devices) such as thatillustrated in FIG. 15. In such methods, a first database is examined todetermine whether information pertaining to the individual to bedepicted in the content is present in the database. If pertinentinformation is located, it is used in the creation of a record for thecontent that is to be produced. If pertinent information is not presentin the first database, a database in a higher level within thehierarchical structure is examined. Typically, a database at the levelimmediately above the level of the first database is examined (e.g., adatabase stored on storage unit 50 in FIG. 15), although specificembodiments of the method can proceed immediately to a higher-leveldatabase (e.g., a database stored on storage unit 100 in FIG. 15) ifdesired. When pertinent information is located in a higher-leveldatabase, the information is copied into the record for the content thatis to be produced. If no such information is located in any databasewithin the hierarchical structure, then the new record for the contentthat is to be produced is created using newly-supplied information.

Many of the foregoing embodiments are beneficially carried out in orderto transmit content to an individual for the individual's private use.In such cases, the individual recipient of the transmission is the enduser of the transmission. In other cases, however, the recipient of thetransmission can in turn transmit the content to another recipient, suchas an individual viewer or another recipient who subsequentlyretransmits the content. That is, the content can be transmitted eitherto an end user or to a distribution node within a network. Transmissionof content via a network of distribution nodes can be carried out bymeans of so-called peer-to-peer systems. Peer-to-peer systems have theadvantage, in comparison to more centralized systems that rely on anorigin server, that they require less bandwidth to transmit comparablequantities of content.

Peer-to-peer systems, or other distributed systems, are particularlyappropriate for transmission of content in the context of a membershiporganization. In such an organization, content is transmitted to thecomputer of a user who is a member of the organization. The member isoffered the option, in return for a benefit (such as discounted or freemembership, a cash payment, a tangible good, a service or some othervaluable consideration), of authorizing the organization to use themember's computer as a node in a distribution network maintained by theorganization. The member's computer thus becomes a secondarydistribution source for the content. When another member requeststransmission of content from the organization, the organization decideswhether to transmit the content from the origin server, or from the nodein the distribution network comprising the member's computer. With eachadditional member who agrees to permit his or her computer to serve as anode in the organization's distribution network, the effective bandwidthincreases.

However, in the event that content transmitted by the organization issubject to a record-keeping requirement, the members whose computers areemployed as nodes in the organization's distribution network maythemselves become subject to the record-keeping requirement. If it isdetermined by the United States government, for example, that such nodesare subject to 18 U.S.C. §2257 and the regulations associated therewith,then the members will be required to maintain appropriate records;should the members fail to do so, the organization itself may be foundto be in violation of the record-keeping requirement. Such adetermination may be made in the event that the members themselvesrealize a commercial benefit, especially a benefit beyond receiving abenefit for acting as a distribution node, or in the event that themembers attempt to affect the content before retransmission thereof. Thelatter case is particularly undesirable from the point of view of theorganization.

In order to prevent members who permit an organization to use theircomputers as distribution nodes from potentially becoming subject to arecord-keeping requirement, additional embodiments of the inventivemethod provide for cutting off a member's computer from access to theorganization's distribution network in the event that the memberattempts to affect the content which the organization transmits to themember's computer for re-transmission. As shown in FIG. 20, content isproduced and transmitted to a member in a manner similar to the methodof FIG. 4. However, in this embodiment, the member's computer isprovided with software enabling the member's computer to function as anode in the organization's distribution network. This software includesan application which determines whether the member attempts to affectthe content provided by the organization prior to its re-transmission toanother member. In the event that the application detects an attempt bythe member to affect the content (e.g., by editing the content,inserting or appending additional content, or otherwise modifying thecontent), the application causes the member's computer to bedisconnected from the organization's network. The member's computer thusno longer functions as a distribution node for the organization. Hence,the organization is protected from liability in the event that themember is determined to be a producer of the content and is furtherfound to have failed to comply with any applicable record-keepingrequirement.

Once the content is provided to a user for possible re-transmission toanother user (i.e., to a user's computer which also serves as adistribution node), it is also desirable to confirm that the content isin compliance with any applicable record-keeping requirement prior tore-transmission of the content. For example, it is desirable to verifythat content subject to the record-keeping requirement of 18 U.S.C.§2257 includes an appropriate notice that is properly placed withrespect to the content. Proper placement of a notice may depend on thetype of content which is to be labeled (e.g., a photo, a video, a webpage, etc.). Depending on the pertinent record-keeping regulation, ahyperlink to a web page which includes the required information may alsobe satisfactory.

FIG. 21 illustrates an particular embodiment in which content istransmitted to a distribution node and checked for the presence andproper placement of a notice as required by an applicable record-keepingrequirement. As in FIG. 20, the content is produced and transmitted to amember's computer, which serves as a distribution node. Once the contentis transmitted to the member's computer, the type of content isascertained, and it is then determined, using appropriate softwareprovided to the member's computer, whether the content is in compliancewith the record-keeping requirement. For example, when the content is aweb page, the software verifies that the web page includes a noticewhich complies with the requirements of 18 U.S.C. §2257, i.e., that thenotice includes all information required by the statute and associatedregulations and is located in the proper place (i.e., on the URL page).If such a notice is not found, the software determines whether the webpage includes a hyperlink to another page which includes the requiredinformation, and if so, activates the hyperlink and determines whetherthe information present on the hyperlinked page complies with therecord-keeping requirement. When the content is a video file, or avideo-on-demand transmission, the software determined whether therequired notice is present at the beginning of the content, or in theend credits, as prescribed by the record-keeping requirement.

According to more particular embodiments, the content itself is providedwith a file name which identifies the type of content being transmitted.For example, a photo can be provided with a file name including the.jpeg extension; a video file can be provided with a file name includingthe .video extension; a video-on-demand file with end credits can beprovided with the .vodec extension; and the like. The file namefacilitates determination of the proper location for placement of therequired notice.

In the event that a required notice is absent from the content,re-transmission of the content is prevented and an appropriate notice isinserted into the content, if necessary after requesting the necessaryinformation from the organization.

1. A method of transmitting content to a computer over a network, thecontent depicting at least one person and being subject to a federalrecord-keeping requirement, the method comprising the steps of: (i)providing information to a computer system pertaining to a persondepicted in at least a portion of the content in accordance with afederal record-keeping requirement, (ii) associating by the computersystem the information with the content by storing the informationtogether with an identification of the content in a storage mediumindependent of a medium used to transmit the content, (iii) providing bythe computer system the associated stored information to a custodian,(iv) determining by the computer system that the stored associatedinformation complies with the federal record-keeping requirement, and(v) transmitting the content by the computer system over a network basedon the determination of compliance.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein theinformation is classified into a plurality of fields.
 3. The method ofclaim 2 wherein at least a portion of the plurality of fields areassociated with authorization criteria.
 4. The method of claim 3 whereinat least a portion of the authorization criteria are derived from thefederal record-keeping requirement.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein atleast one of the plurality of fields is identification of the person andwherein the associated authorization criterion is entry of a valididentification of the person.
 6. The method of claim 4 wherein at leastone of the plurality of fields is age of the person and wherein theassociated authorization criterion is entry of proof that the person'sage at least equals an age specified by the federal record-keepingrequirement.
 7. The method of claim 4 wherein at least one of theplurality of fields is names used by the person other than the person'slegal name and wherein the associated authorization criterion is entryof all names used by the person other than the person's legal name whenthe person has used at least one name other than the person's legalname.
 8. The method of claim 4 wherein at least one of the plurality offields is identification of the content and wherein the associatedauthorization criterion is provision of an identification of thecontent.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the identification of thecontent is a unique randomly-generated identification.
 10. The method ofclaim 4 wherein at least one of the plurality of fields is date ofproduction of the content and wherein the associated authorizationcriterion is entry of a date of production of the content.
 11. Themethod of claim 1 wherein in step (ii) a record is created whichincludes the information pertaining to the content.
 12. The method ofclaim 11 wherein in step (iii) the record is provided to the custodian.13. The method of claim 12 wherein the custodian possesses recordsincluding information associated with a plurality of content.
 14. Themethod of claim 13 wherein the custodian possesses a record includinginformation associated with additional content in which the person isdepicted.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the record includinginformation associated with the additional content in which the personis depicted is provided to and examined by the computer system when instep (iv) it is determined by the computer system that the informationprovided in step (i) does not comply with the federal record-keepingrequirement and wherein information associated with the additionalcontent is provided to the record created in step (ii) when it isdetermined by the computer system that the information associated withthe additional content complies with the federal record-keepingrequirement.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein in step (iv) it isdetermined that the information provided in step (i) omits an entry forat least one field required by the federal record-keeping requirement.17. The method of claim 1 wherein prior to step (v) a statement isprovided by the computer system comprising information pertaining to theportion of the content in accordance with the federal record-keepingrequirement and (b) a location of the custodian.
 18. A method oftransmitting content over a network, the content being subject to afederal record-keeping requirement, the method comprising the steps of:(i) providing to a computer system information pertaining to at least aportion of the content in accordance with a federal record-keepingrequirement , (ii) associating by the computer system the informationwith the content by storing the information together with anidentification of the content in a storage medium independent of amedium used to store the content, (iii) providing by the computer systemthe stored associated information to a custodian, (iv) determining bythe computer system that the stored associated information complies withthe federal record-keeping requirement, and (v) transmitting the contentover a network based on the determination of compliance.
 19. The methodof claim 18 wherein the content comprises a depiction of at least oneperson.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein in step (i) information isprovided pertaining to the at least one person depicted in the content.21. The method of claim 18 wherein in step (ii) a record is createdwhich includes an identification of the portion of the content and theinformation pertaining to the portion of the content.
 22. The method ofclaim 21 wherein in step (iii) the record is provided to the custodian.23. The method of claim 18 wherein in step (v) the content istransmitted over a computer network.
 24. The method of claim 18 whereinin step (v) the content is transmitted over a telecommunicationsnetwork.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein the content is transmittedover a cellular telephone network.
 26. The method of claim 18 whereinthe content is transmitted to a monitor.
 27. The method of claim 18wherein the content is transmitted to a human viewer.
 28. The method ofclaim 27 wherein the viewer provides to a site that controlstransmission of the content verification that the viewing of the contentis legally permissible at the viewer's physical location.
 29. The methodof claim 27 wherein the viewer provides to the site that controlstransmission of the content proof of the viewer's right to receive thetransmission of the content.
 30. The method of claim 27 wherein theviewer provides to the site that controls transmission of the content acredit card account number.
 31. The method of claim 27 wherein theviewer is charged a premium prior to step (v).
 32. The method of claim27 wherein the viewer is provided with a statement prior to step (iv),the statement comprising information pertaining to the portion of thecontent in accordance with the record keeping requirement and a locationof the custodian.
 33. The method of claim 18 wherein step (v) is carriedout only after step (iv) is completed.
 34. The method of claim 18wherein the content is transmitted to a storage device.
 35. A method ofpreventing transmission of content to a computer over a network, thecontent depicting at least one person and being subject to a federalrecord-keeping requirement, the method comprising the sequential stepsof: (i) providing information to a computer system pertaining to aperson depicted in at least a portion of the content in accordance witha federal record-keeping requirement, (ii) associating by the computersystem the information with the content by storing the informationtogether with an identification of the content in a storage mediumindependent of a medium used to transmit the content, (iii) providing bythe computer system the stored associated information to a custodian,(iv) determining by the computer system that the stored associatedinformation does not comply with the federal record-keeping requirement,and (v) preventing, by the computer system, transmission of the contentto a computer over a network based on the determination ofnon-compliance.
 36. The method of claim 35 wherein the information isclassified into a plurality of fields.
 37. The method of claim 36wherein at least a portion of the plurality of fields are associatedwith authorization criteria that are derived from the federalrecord-keeping requirement.
 38. The method of claim 35 wherein in step(ii) a record is created which includes the information pertaining tothe content.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein in step (iii) the recordis provided to the custodian.
 40. The method of claim 39 wherein thecustodian possesses records including information associated with aplurality of content.
 41. The method of claim 40 wherein the custodianpossesses a record including information associated with additionalcontent in which the person is depicted.
 42. The method of claim 41wherein the record including information associated with the additionalcontent in which the person is depicted is examined when in step (iv) itis determined that the information provided in step (i) does not complywith the federal record-keeping requirement and wherein it is furtherdetermined that the information associated with the additional contentdoes not comply with the federal record-keeping requirement.
 43. Themethod of claim 42 wherein in step (iv) it is determined that theinformation provided in step (i) omits at least one item required by thefederal record-keeping requirement.
 44. The method of claim 37 whereinin step (iv) it is determined that at least one authorization criterionderived from the federal record-keeping requirement is not satisfied.45. A method of producing content, the content to be produced depictingat least one person and being subject to a federal record-keepingrequirement, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing to acomputer system information pertaining to a person to be depicted in atleast a portion of the content in accordance with a federalrecord-keeping requirement, (ii) associating by the computer system theinformation with the content to be produced by storing the informationtogether with an identification of the content to be produced in astorage medium independent of a medium to be used to store the content,(iii) providing by the computer system the stored associated informationto a custodian, (iv) determining by the computer system that the storedassociated information complies with the federal record-keepingrequirement, and (v) producing the content based on the determination ofcompliance.
 46. The method of claim 45 wherein the information isclassified into a plurality of fields.
 47. The method of claim 46wherein at least a portion of the plurality of fields are associatedwith authorization criteria.
 48. The method of claim 47 wherein at leasta portion of the authorization criteria are derived from the federalrecord-keeping requirement.
 49. The method of claim 48 wherein at leastone of the plurality of fields is identification of the person andwherein the associated authorization criterion is entry of a valididentification of the person.
 50. The method of claim 48 wherein atleast one of the plurality of fields is age of the person and whereinthe associated authorization criterion is entry of proof that theperson's age at least equals an age specified by the federalrecord-keeping requirement.
 51. The method of claim 48 wherein at leastone of the plurality of fields is names used by the person other thanthe person's legal name and wherein the associated authorizationcriterion is entry of all names used by the person other than theperson's legal name when the person has used at least one name otherthan the person's legal name.
 52. The method of claim 48 wherein atleast one of the plurality of fields is identification of the contentand wherein the associated authorization criterion is provision of anidentification of the content.
 53. The method of claim 52 wherein theidentification of the content is a unique randomly-generatedidentification.
 54. The method of claim 48 wherein at least one of theplurality of fields is date of production of the content and wherein theassociated authorization criterion is entry of a date of production ofthe content.
 55. The method of claim 45 wherein in step (ii) a record iscreated which includes the information pertaining to the content. 56.The method of claim 55 wherein in step (iii) the record is provided tothe custodian.
 57. The method of claim 56 wherein the custodianpossesses records including information associated with a plurality ofcontent.
 58. The method of claim 57 wherein the custodian possesses arecord including information associated with additional content in whichthe person is depicted.
 59. The method of claim 58 wherein the recordincluding information associated with the additional content in whichthe person is depicted is provided to and examined by the computersystem when in step (iv) it is determined that the information providedin step (i) does not comply with the federal record-keeping requirementand wherein information associated with the additional content isprovided by the computer system to the record created in step (ii) whenit is determined that the information associated with the additionalcontent complies with the federal record-keeping requirement.
 60. Themethod of claim 59 wherein in step (iv) it is determined that theinformation provided in step (i) omits an entry for at least one fieldrequired by the federal record-keeping requirement.
 61. The method ofclaim 45 wherein in step (v) a statement is included in the content, thestatement comprising (a) information pertaining to the portion of thecontent in accordance with the federal record-keeping requirement and(b) a location of the custodian.
 62. A method of producing content overa network, the content depicting at least one person, the methodcomprising the steps of: (i) providing to a computer system informationpertaining to a person to be depicted in at least a portion of thecontent, the information being classified into a plurality of fields, atleast a portion of the field being associated with authorizationcriteria, (ii) associating by the computer system the information withthe content to be produced by storing the information together with anidentification of the content to be produced in a storage mediumindependent of a medium to be used to store the content, (iii) providingby the computer system the stored associated information to a custodian,(iv) determining by the computer system that the stored associatedinformation complies with the authorization criteria, and (v) producingthe content based on the determination of compliance.
 63. The method ofclaim 62 wherein at least one of the plurality of fields is modelrelease and wherein the associated authorization criterion is entry of amodel release signed by the person.
 64. The method of claim 63 whereinin step (i) the person executes a model release at a location in whichthe content is to be produced and wherein a digitized version of theexecuted model release is entered.
 65. The method of claim 62 wherein atleast one of the plurality of fields is medical release and wherein theassociated authorization criterion is entry of a medical release signedby the person.
 66. The method of claim 65 wherein an additionalauthorization criterion is freedom from communicable diseases andwherein a medical record of the person is examined pursuant to thesigned medical release in order to verify that the person is free fromcommunicable diseases.
 67. The method of claim 62 wherein step (iv) iscarried out only after step (iii) is completed.
 68. The method of claim62 wherein prior to step (i) it is determined whether information to beprovided is subject to a regulation of a jurisdiction in which theinformation is located prohibiting the disclosure thereof.
 69. Themethod of claim 68 wherein only information that is determined not to besubject to a regulation of a jurisdiction in which the information islocated prohibiting the disclosure thereof is provided.